Marrying The Imperial Elder Chapter 34

This truly was not Madam Pei deliberately complaining about the matter.

Father Zhen and Madam Pei had known each other since childhood. Ever since they married, their relationship had been exceptionally harmonious and deeply affectionate, as though they were one person. They always discussed family matters together. Even while Father Zhen served as an official away from home, one managed affairs outside while the other managed the household within. It was precisely because husband and wife worked together with one heart that everything had gone smoothly and his official career had flourished.

Therefore, whenever Father Zhen encountered an important matter outside the home, he would return and discuss it with Madam Pei. Likewise, whenever something significant happened within the household, Madam Pei naturally informed him as well. In this way, both husband and wife remained fully aware of affairs inside and outside the home, understood each other without needing many words, and avoided making major mistakes.

However, after listening to Madam Pei’s account that evening, Father Zhen unexpectedly disagreed with her. “The way you handled this was indeed unfair. As the saying goes, ‘People do not resent having little; they resent being treated unequally.’ When managing a household, the most important thing is to keep the scales level. By showing such favoritism, you’ve not only chilled Tingyun’s heart, but Yiyun probably won’t even appreciate your protection. A child like her needs to learn a lesson. Otherwise, how will she ever know what she should and shouldn’t do?”

Madam Pei knew in her heart that she had indeed mishandled things that night. But she had always been proud and unwilling to admit defeat. Supporting her forehead with one hand, she shot her husband a glare. “So I favored Yiyun a little. Doesn’t Mother favor Tingyun just as much?”

“How… how can that possibly be the same?” At the mention of Old Lady Zhen, Father Zhen immediately lost some of his confidence. Still, now that he knew what had happened, he couldn’t simply ignore it. He could only continue advising his wife. “It’s always been said: when fathers are kind, sons become filial; when elder brothers are friendly, younger brothers become respectful. Since Yiyun, as the elder sister, behaved this way, you can’t blame Tingyun, the younger sister, for being angry. Yet you, as their mother, still took sides. Are you afraid the two sisters aren’t quarreling fiercely enough?”

Madam Pei replied, “Then what do you expect me to do? In just a few days it’ll be your eldest daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony. If she loses face at a time like this, a young girl with such thin skin, how will she ever dare go out afterward?”

“Does she still have any face left now?” Father Zhen simply asked in return.

Remembering Old Lady Zhen’s earth-shaking wails, Madam Pei could only cover her forehead and remain silent. Old Lady Zhen truly was her nemesis. Just a few loud cries had robbed the entire family of their dignity.

At last, Madam Pei lowered her head and sighed. “I truly don’t know what Mother was thinking…”

Father Zhen instinctively tried to smooth things over on both sides. “Forget it. Tomorrow I’ll speak to Mother on your behalf. As for you, you should properly teach Yiyun. She’s almost come of age. We can’t allow her to continue acting so recklessly. Ever since she was little, she’s always been clever and sensible, gifted in everything she did. How is it that ever since Tingyun returned, she’s suddenly started acting so foolishly?”

That question was beyond Madam Pei as well.

She sighed with a face full of worry. “I’ve spoken to her several times already. I just don’t understand why she’s become so stubborn and refuses to let it go…”

After another sigh, she added, “Perhaps because she was the only daughter in the family for so many years and was always determined to excel. She simply hasn’t adjusted yet.”

Father Zhen had always cherished and valued his eldest daughter. Precisely because he cherished her, he couldn’t simply indulge her without discipline. After thinking for a moment, he called for a servant and ordered someone to fetch a copy of the Classic of Filial Piety. “Take this copy of the Classic of Filial Piety to the eldest young lady’s room. Have her copy it out ten times and quietly reflect upon her own mistakes. Until she’s finished, she isn’t to leave her room.”

“But Yiyun still has women’s academy tomorrow!” Madam Pei protested, tugging at her husband’s sleeve.

“Studying is certainly important, but learning how to conduct oneself is even more important. Given her current academic performance, missing a few days at the academy won’t hurt her.” Having made up his mind, Father Zhen did not waver. After reassuring his wife, he instructed the servant, “Tell her these are my orders. She is to copy it properly, as an act of filial devotion to her mother and me. She is absolutely not to do it carelessly. I’ll inspect her work myself when I return from the office tomorrow.”

Father Zhen’s remark, “Just treat it as fulfilling your filial duty to your mother and me,” carried considerable weight. If she failed to copy it properly, or copied it too slowly, would that mean she was being unfilial?

One had to remember that in those days, if the reputation of being unfilial truly fell upon someone, half of that person’s life was essentially ruined. That was also why Madam Pei, despite having suffered so much at Old Lady Zhen’s hands, still insisted on presenting herself as the model daughter-in-law in front of others.

The servants were not fools. The moment they heard those words, they knew their master was genuinely angry. None of them dared say a word. They immediately took the Classic of Filial Piety and left.

Madam Pei also felt the punishment was rather severe. Ten copies? There was no way she could finish them all in a single night… A young girl’s constitution was delicate. If she stayed up for several days and nights, what if she made herself ill? However, Madam Pei and Father Zhen had been husband and wife for many years, and she knew when to yield. Since her husband had already given the order, she could hardly undermine his authority by objecting, so she could only go along with it.

After settling the matter of his eldest daughter in just a few sentences, Father Zhen sighed and had no choice but to worry about his younger daughter next. “As for Ting Jie’er, she truly suffered an injustice this time, so we should compensate her somehow… Oh, right. A few days ago I acquired a brush holder. Tomorrow, deliver it to her on my behalf. It’s not especially valuable, but it’s delicately made and quite charming. It should suit a young girl like her.”

“All right, all right! I know already!” Madam Pei interrupted his endless nagging with some impatience before changing the subject to another concern. “Tell me, just what is the background of Ting Jie’er’s teacher?”

Father Zhen shook his head. “Since he has no intention of revealing it, perhaps there’s some taboo or difficulty involved. We shouldn’t speculate too much.”

Madam Pei, however, was meticulous by nature. Lowering her voice, she quietly said, “I heard they met on the journey to the capital. As I recall, Ting Jie’er happened to travel back at the same time as the Regent. Do you think he could be one of the Regent’s trusted attendants?” If so, it would explain why they had met, why he owned an estate in the Western Hills, and why he concealed his identity.

Father Zhen glanced at his wife and reminded her, “Think carefully about what day yesterday was. If he truly were someone close to the Regent, he certainly wouldn’t have had any free time yesterday.”

With that reminder, Madam Pei immediately understood. Indeed, yesterday had been the day the Regent entered the capital and the imperial palace. If he truly were one of the Regent’s close aides, he naturally would have been attending him every step of the way. How could he possibly have had time to tutor an unmarried young girl like Zhen Tingyun?

But if he wasn’t someone close to the Regent, then what exactly was his identity?

Madam Pei racked her brains without finding an answer. Father Zhen gently pulled her closer and casually said, “Enough. What we’re meant to know, we’ll know eventually. As for what we’re not meant to know, there’s no point dwelling on it. After all, they haven’t even held the formal disciple ceremony yet. If we investigate too deeply now, people will only think we’re snobbish and eager to attach ourselves to someone of high status. We mustn’t let others look down on our daughter because of us.”

Madam Pei nudged him with her elbow and chided, “I’m only worried about our daughter.”

Father Zhen simply smiled at her without saying a word.

His gaze made Madam Pei’s cheeks grow warm. She gave him another shove. “What are you staring at?”

“With a wife as beautiful as you, of course I want to keep looking.” Smiling, Father Zhen wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His words only made Madam Pei blush even more before he continued, “Anyone who can afford an estate in the Western Hills and casually gives away a purple jade xiao must have an extraordinary background. But from what you’ve told me, he has truly treated Ting Jie’er with sincere kindness. He gave her the jade xiao, gifted her sheet music, and even personally wrote her notes on horseback riding and archery. That kind of care can’t be faked. So don’t worry. Once Ting Jie’er formally becomes his disciple in the future, we’ll naturally learn everything.”

Madam Pei was itching to know the background of the distinguished gentleman who had become Zhen Tingyun’s teacher. Yet after hearing her husband’s reasoning, she gradually accepted it. The pride of a talented and refined lady resurfaced, and she comforted herself inwardly: Very well. Given our family’s current standing, there’s no need to rush into currying favor with some mysterious ‘important person.’ Otherwise we’d only lose face ourselves and embarrass our daughter.

Forget it. It was better to pretend she knew nothing at all…

After being persuaded by Father Zhen’s long explanation, Madam Pei finally relaxed. She lay down beside him and said, “Very well, I won’t concern myself with it anymore. In any case, you’re the head of the family, so naturally the household follows your decisions.”

The husband and wife were deeply affectionate, and it was already nighttime. Having finished discussing their children, it was only natural that they should move on to discussing who ought to be in charge of the matters that took place in bed.

***

In truth, the question of Yuanhui’s identity wasn’t only secretly occupying the minds of Madam Pei and Father Zhen. That very night, Old Lady Zhen and Zhen Tingyun pondered it as well.

Of course, Old Lady Zhen asked only after they had climbed into bed together, whispering beneath the covers. “Tell me, your teacher had fallen so low he was stealing horses. How did he suddenly become so wealthy? I heard estates in the Western Hills cost a fortune, yet he actually owns one?”

Zhen Tingyun replied, “Perhaps it was inherited from his ancestors.”

Old Lady Zhen muttered, “That makes sense. Judging from his bearing, he never looked like someone without a respectable background.” As she spoke, she secretly tugged at Zhen Tingyun’s sleeve and lowered her voice. “Didn’t you ask about his family background?”

Putting on an expression of perfect righteousness, Zhen Tingyun answered, “Since Teacher chose not to tell me, he must have his own reasons and difficulties. As his student, if he doesn’t volunteer the information, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to pry.”

Old Lady Zhen narrowed her eyes at her granddaughter. Seeing that she didn’t appear to be lying, she nearly poked the girl in the forehead with her finger. What a foolish child!

But Zhen Tingyun immediately added, “Besides, Teacher has always treated me very well. He not only teaches me calligraphy and the flute, but even gave me such a precious purple jade xiao… Since he’s treated me so kindly, then as his student I should also be understanding of whatever difficulties he has.”

Hearing that, Old Lady Zhen felt it made perfect sense. That’s right, why bother asking so many questions? The benefits were real enough, and quietly accepting them was obviously the wiser bargain! Thinking it over that way, although her granddaughter might be a little foolish, perhaps fools really did have fool’s luck after all.

Thus, Old Lady Zhen stopped pressing Zhen Tingyun about her teacher’s background. She pulled up the quilt and said listlessly, “All right, it’s getting late. Let’s go to sleep.”

Whether it was Madam Pei and Father Zhen in the main courtyard or Old Lady Zhen and Zhen Tingyun, although they all had things weighing on their minds, seeing that it had grown late, they washed up and retired for the night. Only the lamp in Zhen Yiyun’s room stayed lit the entire night.

In later generations, there was a saying: “Spreading a rumor takes only one mouth; disproving it wears out your legs.” For Zhen Yiyun, it became: “Spread a rumor, copy until your hands give out.” Thanks to Father Zhen’s sudden punishment, she spent the entire night copying the Classic of Filial Piety. The next day she was unable to attend the women’s’ academy and even came down with a minor illness.

Although Madam Pei was angry at her daughter’s temperament, she was still her mother. Seeing her daughter looking so weak and sickly, all her anger gradually dissipated, replaced by heartfelt concern and pity.

As for Zhen Tingyun, she ended up reaping quite a few benefits. Not only did she get to shamelessly stay the night with Old Lady Zhen, but the next day she also received gifts from both Father Zhen and Madam Pei. Though she had felt rather wronged at first, in the end she truly gained plenty from the whole affair.

In truth, perhaps because of the dream she had before coming to the capital, after mulling it over repeatedly on the journey and clashing with Zhen Yiyun several times after arriving, Zhen Tingyun no longer thought very highly of this elder sister. In her eyes, her sister merely wore the appearance of someone clever, while in reality she did one foolish thing after another.

Strictly speaking, as someone who had transmigrated into a novel, Zhen Yiyun’s greatest advantages were her knowledge of the plot, her so-called foresight, and the fact that she possessed knowledge and perspectives completely different from everyone else’s.

But what had Zhen Yiyun actually done with those advantages? The moment she entered the novel, she treated Zhen Tingyun, the original heroine, as her imaginary enemy. She deliberately kept her stranded in the countryside, causing much of the original plot to veer off course and losing many opportunities along the way. As for her unique knowledge and perspective, which should have made her stand out, Zhen Yiyun instead insisted on following the original heroine’s path. She insisted on becoming Master He’s disciple, insisted on entering the girls’ academy, and practically turned herself into a native-born heroine or perhaps an even poorer imitation. After all, she also had an inflated sense of superiority. She couldn’t accept marriage between cousins and looked down on her eldest maternal cousin, the original male protagonist.

Sometimes Zhen Tingyun simply couldn’t understand how this woman’s mind worked, just as she couldn’t understand how foolish the version of herself in that dream had been to die such a miserable death.

She couldn’t figure out such questions in a short time. Before long, however, the twenty-second day of the second lunar month arrived, the day of Zhen Yiyun’s coming-of-age ceremony.

Although the Zhen family had only recently arrived in the capital, lacked deep roots there, and Father Zhen was merely a fifth-rank official, they still had the Pei family’s reputation behind them. Moreover, Father Zhen had an excellent record as an official and maintained good relationships with his colleagues, so he had several close friends. In addition, there were the noble young ladies who were close to Zhen Yiyun, as well as her classmates from the women’s academy.

All in all, the day was unusually lively.

There was also considerable care involved in choosing the principal guest for a coming-of-age ceremony. The role was given to an elder woman of both virtue and talent, ideally someone blessed with longevity and a complete, prosperous family. Madam Pei did not stand on ceremony. She personally asked her eldest sister-in-law, Eldest Madam Pei. Eldest Madam Pei had watched her niece grow up and loved her dearly, so she readily agreed.

As for the role of the assistant, Madam Pei assigned it to her younger daughter, Zhen Tingyun.

She even privately instructed her younger daughter beforehand. “There will be many guests today. Stay by your sister’s side so you can meet more people.”

The birthday banquet at the Pei residence had only been Zhen Tingyun’s first appearance in the capital’s social circle. It had merely been a small occasion, a simple trial run. This time, however, the gathering was on a much larger scale, with far more guests. Madam Pei intended to use the opportunity to gradually spread her younger daughter’s reputation so that society would know the Zhen family had another daughter.

Naturally, Zhen Tingyun understood her mother’s intentions. On the surface, she obediently nodded in agreement, but inwardly she couldn’t help grumbling: With someone like Zhen Yiyun, how could she possibly be willing to let me share in the spotlight? I’d already be lucky if she didn’t deliberately trip me up…

Still, the day wasn’t without its pleasant surprises. She finally met the legendary original male protagonist, her eldest maternal cousin, Pei Rusong.

Pei Rusong was the eldest legitimate grandson of the Pei family’s main branch. He was also a prodigy who had passed the provincial examination at a young age. With next year’s metropolitan examination approaching, he normally buried himself in his studies and rarely spent time with his younger sisters. Thus, Zhen Tingyun had long heard his name but had never met him. This time, Eldest Madam Pei happened to arrive with her son and daughter, allowing Zhen Tingyun to finally see him for herself, and she couldn’t help inwardly marveling.

Pei Rusong was only eighteen, yet already remarkably tall. With phoenix-shaped eyes, thin lips, and sharply defined features, his face was exceptionally handsome and refined. More importantly, he possessed the scholarly elegance characteristic of sons from literary families. His manners were graceful, his bearing dignified, and his presence was as pure and radiant as the clear moon or bright breeze, making everyone who looked at him feel as though they had been bathed in a gentle spring wind.

Having such an outstanding son naturally filled Eldest Madam Pei with pride. Remembering that Zhen Tingyun had never met this eldest cousin before, she called her son over to greet his younger cousin with a smile. “Come to think of it, Ting Jie’er is about the same age as your younger sister. Your sister was born in the first month, while Ting Jie’er was born in the fourth.”

Now that cousin and cousin had finally met, although Zhen Tingyun was extremely curious about this eldest cousin, she had no idea what to say. After thinking for a moment, she simply lowered her head and pretended to be shy.

Pei Rusong could hardly cope with his own younger sisters, so naturally he didn’t know what to say to Zhen Tingyun either. After some thought, he simply assumed the demeanor of an elder brother and carefully asked about her studies.

Had it been any other young girl, she probably would have secretly complained, We’re meeting for the first time as cousins, and this is what he wants to talk about? How boring can someone be?!

But Zhen Tingyun loved this topic most of all. She immediately forgot to keep pretending to be shy and took the opportunity to ask him several academic questions that had been puzzling her recently. After all, Pei Rusong still had a reputation as a gifted scholar. Though he couldn’t compare with Yuanhui, answering the schoolwork questions of a young girl like Zhen Tingyun was effortless for him.

Moreover, Pei Rusong himself loved learning and naturally admired diligence in his younger sisters. Seeing this little cousin with her soft, bun-like face as smooth as fresh tofu, solemnly asking questions with such earnest sincerity, he found her both amusing and endearing, and answered each of her questions with equal seriousness.

Thus, although the cousins had only just met for the first time, they hit it off immediately and chatted away merrily.

Eldest Madam Pei watched the two cousins talking with a smile, feeling deeply satisfied. Only then did she turn to look at Madam Pei and say gently, “Today’s coming-of-age ceremony was quite lively. I thought it was very well done… Oh, that’s right. If I remember correctly, in just over a month it will be Ting Jie’er’s birthday. Have you decided whether you’ll hold a birthday banquet for her at home as well?”

Madam Pei replied, “She’s still just a child. I don’t think there’s any need to go through all that fuss. It’ll be enough for the family to sit down and share a meal together. We can hold a grand celebration next year when she comes of age.” Even as she said it, she felt somewhat guilty, so she added, “Besides, Ting Jie’er has the women’s academy entrance examination this sixth month. I don’t want these things distracting her.”

Eldest Madam Pei did not think much of it and sighed with a smile. “You’re truly fortunate. Both your daughters are so diligent. My Zhuzhu, on the other hand, is terribly lazy. Her exam is clearly in the sixth month, yet she spends every day fooling around instead of studying. She gives me such a headache.”

Hearing this, Madam Pei felt rather pleased. Still, she knew that despite Zhen Tingyun’s earnest preparation, she might not necessarily pass the examination, so she merely answered vaguely, “Mingzhu has always been clever. She’s relaxed because she’s already confident. As for Tingyun, she hardly studied in the past. She’s only cramming at the last minute now, hoping for a bit of luck.”

Every parent thinks their own child is the best. Although Eldest Madam Pei had been complaining about her daughter, hearing Eldest Madam Pei praise Mingzhu still made her happy. Smiling, she said, “Don’t let Zhuzhu hear you say that, or she’ll get so full of herself she’ll think she’s in heaven.”

The sisters-in-law chatted for a while. By the time evening approached, Eldest Madam Pei finally took her son and daughter and headed home.

Pei Mingzhu had thoroughly enjoyed herself that day. Even as she climbed into the carriage, her cheeks were still flushed pink as she happily told Eldest Madam Pei all about the little county princess of Yan Wang’s residence.

Madam Pei took out her handkerchief and slowly wiped the fine beads of sweat from her daughter’s face. She gently admonished her, “I’ve told you before. The county princess is, after all, a noble lady of the imperial family. As the daughter of a minister, you shouldn’t become overly familiar with her. Simply treat her with respect.”

Pei Mingzhu pouted unhappily, her flower-petal lips sticking out. “Mother always picks on me! Doesn’t Brother spend plenty of time with Yan Wang Shizi as well?”

“How is that the same?” Eldest Madam Pei shot her daughter a glare.

Eldest Madam Pei was no fool. She was both sharp-eyed and perceptive, seeing far more clearly than her simple-minded daughter. Given the little county princess’s lofty status and somewhat arrogant temperament, the reason she lowered herself to befriend Pei Mingzhu and frequently visited the Pei residence was likely not because of Mingzhu at all. Her real interest lay in Pei Rusong.

Unfortunately, the Pei family had risen through the ranks as upright scholar-officials. Pei Rusong’s friendship with Yan Wang Shizi could still be described as the pure friendship of gentlemen. But a marriage alliance with Yan Wang’s household was absolutely impossible. Given the current political situation of the imperial family and Grand Secretary Pei’s position, the Pei family could not afford to become too close to a princely household. Otherwise, they would inevitably arouse the Emperor’s and the Empress Dowager’s suspicion. Such an alliance would do Pei Rusong’s official career nothing but harm. Wasn’t Yan Wang’s household itself keeping a low profile these days?

Eldest Madam Pei had always treasured her son and placed great hopes on his future. Therefore, let alone a county princess of a princely household, even if it were an imperial princess, if she stood in the way of her son’s prospects, Eldest Madam Pei would never agree.

However, these things were not suitable to explain to her daughter. After all, the girl was innocent and naïve, utterly incapable of keeping secrets.

Thinking of this, Eldest Madam Pei could not help sighing inwardly. Everyone said she was blessed to have such an outstanding son and such a lively, adorable daughter. Yet an exceptional son came with exceptional troubles, while a foolish daughter… was even more worrying.

After fretting once again over her daughter’s future, Eldest Madam Pei changed the subject and began lecturing her. “Honestly, June’s women’s academy entrance examination is almost here. All the girls preparing for it in the capital are staying home and studying, yet you don’t seem concerned at all. You run around with idle people all day and barely open a book. What sort of behavior is that? If you fail the examination and don’t get admitted, I won’t bother helping you. Your father can deal with you then. And when that happens, just watch out for your hide…”

At the mention of her father, Pei Mingzhu instinctively shrank her neck. Nevertheless, she stubbornly lifted her chin and argued, “That’s exactly why I need to relax before the exam! I’ve been studying for so many years. Can’t I take a few days off before the test? Besides, with so little time left, what difference would a few more pages make? I’d rather relax so I’ll be in a good mood during the exam and perform even better.”

Faced with such an immature daughter, Madam Pei neither knew whether to scold her nor hit her. She simply pinched her arm lightly and snorted. “I’ve heard Tingyun is taking the women’s academy examination too, and she’s studying very hard. She’s only a few months younger than you, yet she’s so much more sensible. She’s practicing her calligraphy and reading morning and night, working tirelessly.”

The moment those words were spoken, Pei Rusong, who had been sitting quietly to one side the whole time, nodded in agreement. “Mother is right. Tingyun really is extremely hardworking. Zhuzhu, you’re not a little girl anymore. It’s time you started acting more maturely and applying yourself to your studies.”

Pei Mingzhu was so furious she puffed up like a blowfish. Her face flushed bright red, and she no longer wanted to speak. What kind of magic potion had Zhen Tingyun fed her mother and brother? Why was everyone suddenly singing her praises?

Filled with resentment, Pei Mingzhu had originally intended to tell her family everything she had heard from Zhen Yiyun so they would all see Zhen Tingyun’s true colors. But she knew she had no evidence to support any of it, so with great difficulty she swallowed the words back down, bottling up all her anger until her stomach felt ready to burst. She hated Zhen Tingyun even more, convinced that she was utterly hypocritical and detestable.